Leviticus 6:5

or anything else about which he has sworn falsely. He must make restitution in full, add a fifth of the value, and pay it to the owner on the day he acknowledges his guilt.

Study Bible

or anything else about which he swore falsely
This phrase addresses the broader context of honesty and integrity in dealings. The Hebrew root for "swore falsely" is "שָׁבַע" (shava), which means to swear or take an oath. In ancient Israel, oaths were sacred and binding, reflecting one's commitment to truth before God. The inclusion of "anything else" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's law, covering all aspects of life and interactions. This highlights the importance of truthfulness, a value deeply rooted in the character of God, who is truth itself.

He must make restitution in full
The concept of restitution is central to the justice system outlined in the Torah. The Hebrew word for "restitution" is "שִׁלֵּם" (shillem), meaning to make whole or complete. This reflects God's desire for restoration and reconciliation, not just punishment. Restitution in full signifies the offender's responsibility to restore what was wrongfully taken or damaged, symbolizing a return to righteousness and harmony within the community.

add a fifth to the value
Adding a fifth, or 20%, to the restitution amount is a unique aspect of biblical justice. The Hebrew term for "fifth" is "חֹמֶשׁ" (chomesh). This additional payment serves as a deterrent against dishonesty and compensates the wronged party for the inconvenience and potential loss suffered. It underscores the principle that sin has consequences, and true repentance involves going beyond mere compensation to demonstrate genuine remorse and a commitment to righteousness.

and pay it to the owner
The directive to pay the restitution directly to the owner emphasizes personal responsibility and accountability. It is not enough to acknowledge wrongdoing; one must actively seek to make amends with those affected. This reflects the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor and the importance of maintaining right relationships within the community. It also serves as a reminder that our actions have direct impacts on others, and we are called to live in a way that honors both God and our fellow human beings.

on the day he presents his guilt offering
The timing of the restitution is significant. The guilt offering, or "אָשָׁם" (asham) in Hebrew, was a sacrifice made to atone for unintentional sins or sins requiring restitution. By linking restitution with the guilt offering, the text highlights the interconnectedness of our relationship with God and others. True repentance involves both a vertical component (seeking God's forgiveness) and a horizontal component (making things right with others). This holistic approach to repentance and restoration is a powerful reminder of the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive plan.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God, including those in Leviticus.

2. Israelites
The people to whom the laws in Leviticus were given, forming the covenant community of God.

3. Guilt Offering
A specific type of offering in the Levitical law required for atonement of certain sins, particularly those involving deceit or unintentional wrongdoing.

4. Tabernacle
The place where offerings were presented, serving as the dwelling place of God among His people during their wilderness journey.

5. Restitution
The act of making amends for wrongs committed, a key component of the law in Leviticus 6:5.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Truthfulness
God values honesty and integrity. Swearing falsely is a serious offense that requires restitution.

Restitution as a Path to Reconciliation
Making amends is not just about returning what was taken but also about restoring relationships and trust.

The Principle of Going Beyond
Adding a fifth to the restitution amount teaches us to go beyond mere compensation, reflecting a heart of genuine repentance.

The Role of the Guilt Offering
The guilt offering symbolizes the need for atonement and points to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who fulfills the law.

Practical Steps for Modern Believers
While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the principles of confession, restitution, and reconciliation remain vital in our walk with God and others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the requirement of adding a fifth to the restitution amount reflect God's justice and mercy?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of restitution in our daily lives when we have wronged others?

3. How does the concept of the guilt offering in Leviticus point us to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

4. What are some modern-day examples of situations where restitution might be necessary, and how can we approach them biblically?

5. How do the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament reinforce the principles found in Leviticus 6:5 regarding honesty and reconciliation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 22
Discusses laws about restitution, emphasizing the importance of making amends for wrongs against others.

Numbers 5
Provides further instructions on restitution and the guilt offering, highlighting the need for confession and compensation.

Matthew 5
Jesus speaks about reconciliation and the importance of resolving disputes, reflecting the principles of restitution and peace.

Luke 19
The account of Zacchaeus, who makes restitution by returning what he had taken and more, exemplifying the heart of repentance and restoration.